GATINEAU, Quebec _ It’s a longshot, but it’s no secret that the Flyers would love to acquire one of Nashville’s all-star defensemen, Shea Weber or Ryan Suter, before the Feb. 27 trade deadline.

“We’ll see how it goes,” Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen, a former Predator, said after Thursday’s all-star draft. “If we can get any of those two guys, perfect…..To be honest, if they want to win in Nashville, they have to keep those two guys.”

Weber, who carries a $7.5 million cap hit this season, can become a restricted free agent after the season, while Suter ($3.5 million cap hit) can become an unrestricted free agent.

The Flyers would want assurances that they could sign Suter for the future; they do not want a rent-a-player. They could fit Suter under the cap for the rest of this season, but if they would have to get rid of some salary if they wanted him long-term.

In Sunday’s All-Star Game in Ottawa, Timonen will be on Team Chara with Suter, while Weber will play for Team Alfredsson.

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During Friday's Media Day at all-star weekend, Suter said that if everything was equal, he would like to remain with Nashville.

Sutter hinted he will not sign during the season _ opening the possibility of a deal _ but said he hopes he isn’t traded.

“Nashville is a great place to live and raise a family,” he said.

Asked if he would like to play for the Flyers if he becomes a free agent, Suter said, “I don’t think about where I want to be. I focus on being a good player on our team. The time will come for all that, and now is not the time. Our team is doing very good right now, and hopefully we can go and get that piece we might need for the playoffs.”

Suter said his agent and the Preds have “talked ideas” but haven't been negotiating during the season. Nor does he expect any until after the season.

“Being in Nashville, which is not a huge hockey market, there is really no pressure on me (to resign),” he said. “I’m just trying to help our team win and trying to be a good teammate and leader. We’re trying not to make it a distraction.”